Don't Lose Your Suitcase!

I know the title of this blog is obvious... but someone at Delta Airlines didn't heed it this past week.

I was on a flight from SLC to Detroit with three checked bags, my suitcase, and two pelican cases with course and classroom materials.

The two non-essential cases arrived and my personal suitcase did not. Big deal, flying over 150,000 miles this year and to finally have a 'lost' bag wasn't much of a deal...

The nice lady at the Delta baggage claim office in Detroit looked it up on the computer and my bag's bar-code scan was last seen in SLC - and they'd put it on the next flight via Atlanta and it should be at my hotel by 11:00pm. (this happens occasionally to me, perhaps one out of fifty flights)

When it wasn't delivered to the hotel room in the morning I got a bit worried. Called and checked online - but to no avail.

It still hasn't been tracked down yet! After five days I can charge Delta for a Lost Bag.

So I don't recommend you try this any time when you travel. Not too fun. But, if you have a credit card, and shopping near by you can do pretty good. A Jos. A Banks and CVS across the street got me by this week. (That and an emergency care package from Ryan).

So my recommendation:
Take along whatever medicines and a spare change of underwear and socks in your carry-on - Now I'll start doing that...

I was amazed at how much value was in my 'small' version of a traveling suitcase. Here is the list of what the Delta is supposed to reimburse me for. I didn't even carry a couple of laptops or projector with me on this trip!
Just as a reminder - Airlines in the US only reimburse up to $3,000 per bag. I thought I was way off on that figure. But be warned. It doesn't take all that much to be above the limit. If you are over limit you can get 'extra' coverage from your Airline (before you fly).